Description of microbial journal article review - Essay Example

Introduction Human Papillomavirus is a common infectious disease which is prevalent all across the world. The virus has more than a 100 subtypes and can be spread by direct contact human contact. Generally the infection is harmless as it just manifests as warts on the skin, but it results in a more serious condition in women when transmitted sexually i.e. cervical cancer which can spread outside as well as within the female genital tract and surrounding areas. About 40 subtypes of the virus have been identified which can spread HPV infection among women (CDC).

Early screening, even before the advent of sexual activity in young girls can serve to enlighten people about prevention strategies and the need for vaccination. However, there are many factors which prevent the participation of susceptible young people in screening programs. Agurto et al, 2004 in their study have endeavored to identify the barriers to cervical screening that exist among Latin American women, a region where cervical cancer is rampant.Hypothesis under InvestigationThe authors have hypothesized that unknown factors exist which prevent the populations in these countries from participating in cervical screening programs.

The authors have tried to identify the barriers which prevent populations in the Pan American countries from participating in screening programs, which they feel need to be removed, as screening programs in other countries such as the US and Canada have succeeded in reducing the incidence of HPV ( Agurto et al, 2004)Techniques Employed in the StudyBy following a common theoretical and methodological approach, the authors conducted five separate qualitative studies in Venezuela, Ecuador, Mexico, El Salvador and Peru which incorporated questionnaire based study protocols aimed at the affected females; their male partners as well as the healthcare professionals as the prime focus groups to identify their perception of the existing barriers which prevented the people from participating in screening programs.

Appropriate statistical tools were used for the analysis. Results of the StudyThe main barriers encountered as per the responses of the interviewed focus groups in the region were anxiety, negligence on part of the sufferer as well as healthcare professionals, poor accessibility to healthcare facilities, lack of education and financial resources, examination at public places for the Pap smear test, lack of follow up and poor management by local healthcare professionals. Diagnostic tests were believed to be unreliable by many interviewed people who felt that the results were not conveyed in a timely manner.

The benefits as perceived by the women included peace of mind on being diagnosed negative for cervical cancer, better control of their health and social acceptance on being declared healthy. The authors concluded that improvement in healthcare facilities taking into account the unique cultural perspectives of the region were essential for reducing the incidence of the disease and building a better perspective.The above study was chosen for review as it addresses a pertinent issue in the spread of HPV infection which has far reaching implications on the health of women.

HPV is a common virus which is often neglected but can cause serious repercussions on women’s health.ReferenceAgurto, I, Bishop, A, Sanchez, G et al. (2004). Perceived Barriers and Benefits to Cervical Cancer Screening in Latin America, Preventive Medicine, Vol. 39, Pgs.91–98